1.3.1 State the parts of a system


The main parts of a system are Input, Process, Output.
external image Input_Processes_and_Outputs.jpg
However, hardware also needs backing storage as there is no permanent storage in the CPU:
external image Inputs_Processes_and_Outputs_for_Hardware.jpg
Layers of software have also been implemented, so no direct contact with hardware is necessary:
external image Layers_in_computer_systems.jpg


1.3.2 Identify the data that needs to be held and processed by a system


One of the important processes identified in software development (see section 1.2.2.) was analysis and fact finding. This involves carefully identifying the data which needs to be held and processed by a system. Different systems will require different data to be inputted into it.


1.3.3 Outline suitable means of data capture and output presentation of a systemexternal image SCANHAND2000U.jpg


Data Capture and Output Presentation


  • Data Capture
    • Manual Data Entry - Keyboard, mouse
    • Direct Data Entry - OCR/OMR scanners, barcode scanner etc
    • Automatic Data Entry - Sensor
  • Data Presentation
    • Temporary Displays - VDU, LCD Display
    • Permanent Display - Printer
    • Electrical/Mechanical Output - Actuator


1.3.4 Design appropriate data structures to store data within a system


Data in a System
When data is in a system it is often shown in flow diagrams with the following symbols:
external image DataFlow.jpg


1.3.5 State the hardware components that are appropriate for a system

external image razer-naga-molten-01.jpg
A selection of some of the many hardware components appropriate for a system.
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Monitor
  • Speakers
  • Microphone

Always remember that different systems might require different hardware.

1.3.6 Outline a suitable interface between a system and users


The major two user interfaces are Command Line Interfaces (CLI) and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI). CLI's are much easier to implement and use less memory, however, there is a much greater learning curve - yet long term users may find them quicker than other interfaces. GUI's are much more complex to implement and use more memory, they also require a mouse. Yet, icons make it easier to remember commands and these are grouped in menus. There is a much smaller learning curve. GUI's can also be referred to as 'WIMP' (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers).gui_themes.jpg

db2cli.jpg

1.3.7 Analyse a systems flowchart that represents a complete system.

analysed_system_flow_chart.png

1.3.8 Construct a systems flowchart to represent a complete system.

system_flow_chart.png



Best content in StJulians_ComputerScience | Diigo - Groups